Sorry for the new thread - still can't post replies.

Same thing happens in Chicago, people park by feel rather than paying attention to what they're doing. I once watched someone in some giant SUV back up into my 911 and scratch the hood with his trailer hitch. His excuse? I shouldn't have such a low car in the city!

As another poster wrote, avoid the street at all costs. I pay for parking now, even if it's just my 325i.

 

I used to have a 2000 boxster that i kept in a garage. That car got hit so many times in the garage. In NYC a lot of garages have signs that they are not responsible for any damage that happens to your car while it is parked in their garage. lol. Funny you mention about the SUV hitting and scratching your hood. That's exactly what happened to my 911. I wasnt there to see it, but i remember the SUV that was parked in front of me. Did you file a claim or did you guys settle it yourselves? I think SUV owners should get charged a fee for having trailer hitches and those metal bars they stick on the back. Those devices damage so many cars. It's really not fair. A little tap and they are shredding up your clear coat or paint.

 

The releases or signs limiting liability in the garages dont work. You cant release away your own negligence, although the small claims route may not work, if they dont disclose their insurance. Best bet is to find a garage or lot that will respect your car. I am an attorney in NY & drive to court most of the year. I have regular spots & the mutual respect factor works well. MY 2 cents.

 

The garage i was using at the time is the type were you park and pickup your own cars.

 

I have two little orange cones in the car that get put into position anywhere near someone else’s ignorance or ‘tap-to-feel’ nature may take place. 2 years and it’s worked quite well. Seems people take heed to the orange cone thing pretty well.
Hating to admit it, but the only thing that’s happened since using them was a note on the windshield I wasn’t allowed to use them (but they weren’t moved), and someone spit on the car.
Either way … significantly better than paint repairs.

 

Get a beater and drive it and spit in the SUV owners face next time.

 

Put the tow hook on the front, it doesn't stop the SUV but anything else will feel their bumper crack before yours does... Took me one replacement PU and 3 big scratches on the new one before someone told me about that trick.

 

I scouted all the parking garages and found one where they let me pick out my own parking space with no cars on either side. I bring the attendants treats and gifts frequently and in exchange, they watch my car closely. I pay $320 per month.

 

that's , i'm surprised that no one confiscated your cones.

 

Last time i parked my car in the streets of NYC someone punched my door in....haha drunk a**holes. The only garages i trust now are the ones with all the exotic cars in them.Usually if u throw the dude a few extra bucks they will park it in the spots for the expensive cars...

 

Ditto. I don't live in a downtown kind of big city but anytime I need to drive anywhere where I expect to park anywhere near potential hazards, morons, etc. I just drive my beater.

2000 Honda, 4 doors, white and who cares how dirty it gets, run it through the gas station automatic machine wash for $4 and don't care about contact. Use it for grocery and other errands - the freedom to park where ever the hell I like is great.

Bonus is when I then switch into my 997, I can "feel" that awesome new car feeling again as the difference is so huge.

 

anybody else relize this thread is 2 yrs old!!!!! lol

 

Still topical!

 

this is a good reason I love living in Texas, large parking spots for the trucks and i do drive a 1 ton diesel truck with a trailer hitch attached at all times to help if someone hits me in a parking lot

 

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